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The Queensland government has ignored key recommendations to allow 24-hour retail, scrap ID scanning at certain venues and encourage teenagers to attend gigs in a desperate bid to revitalise Brisbane’s struggling live music and nightlife scene.
On Wednesday the government published its official response alongside the long-awaited Moonside report, prepared by Queensland’s inaugural Night-Life Economy Commissioner, former Powderfinger bassist John “JC” Collins, which made 62 proposals to fix Brisbane nightlife.
That response rejected 21 of the recommendations, including an option for later trade at retail and supermarkets in party suburbs, staggering exits from clubs to enhance safety, and extending trading hours on Good Friday and Christmas.
The use of facial recognition software to replace ID scanners and long lines would also be ignored, with Youth Minister Sam O’Connor, whose department handled the report, deeming the proposal unsafe.
“It’s our view that that technology is not at the point where it can replace the current system,” he said.
The government’s response, a 22-page action plan, has a strong focus on existing Safe Night Precincts. It will offer liquor licensing discounts to live music venues and alter noise complaints law to give music venues a fighting chance.
Under a new noise complaint framework, venues must get five other complaints before the problem is taken seriously.
The noise limit will also be raised, and a process for special events licensing hours – like those seen during the World Cup for Socceroos games – will be streamlined.
Collins said he was disappointed not all of his recommendations were supported, but he would continue on his role, advocating for faster implementation of the accepted recommendations and lobbying for those not yet supported.
“While I am naturally disappointed that the government has not endorsed all the recommendations, I’m encouraged that other key recommendations have been endorsed,” he said.
O’Connor said the government was certain its current plan would support the struggling industry in the short and long term.
“We wanted to make sure this was a report that was responded to and had clear practical actions to deliver change we need to see,” he said.
Queensland Hotels Association chief Bernie Hogan, who sat on the panel with Collins, the report meant little without seeing how it was implemented.
“QHA is more interested in the impact of the implemented recommendations put forward rather than the number of them,” he said.
“While this report begins the process of modernisation for Queensland, the path to meaningful reform remains unclear.”
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